7 Benefits Of Henna Hair Packs, How To Use Them, & Side Effects

People all over the world use henna for hair nourishment. Your hair comprises keratin proteins that keep it strong (1). But these proteins can be damaged due to UV rays, oxidative stress, chemicals, heat styling tools, weather, and pollution (2), (3). A hair pack or hair mask aids in rejuvenating and repairing your tresses. Henna hair packs provide numerous benefits to your tresses. They are also chemical-free. Keep reading to learn how to use henna for hair nourishment!

Know Your Ingredient: Henna

What Is It?
A dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis or the henna tree.

What Are Its Benefits?
It has cooling, antifungal, antioxidant, nourishing, and antimicrobial properties. It may promote hair growth, oil production, hair conditioning, and overall hair health.

Who Can Use It?
Individuals who suffer from hair breakage, damage, scalp issues, and hair loss.

How Often?
It can be used bi-weekly or monthly on hair, depending on the need and hair texture.

Caution
It may have allergic reactions like redness, itching, burning, swelling, blisters, and scarring of the skin.

Benefits Of Henna Hair Packs

Henna is the go-to ingredient for the hair coloring needs of almost every natural hair care enthusiast. But did you know that henna can do a lot more than just color your hair? This versatile hair care ingredient can be used to maintain overall hair health. This conditioning treatment may help in repairing damage, and balancing pH levels, and these are just some of the many benefits that henna offers (4).

Read on to find out how henna helps improve hair health and how you can incorporate it into your hair care routine.

1. Improves Scalp Health

Henna helps improve and maintain scalp health with its cooling, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties

(5). It helps soothe the aggravated and itchy scalp while also treating issues like dandruff, scalp irritation, and other fungal infections (6).

2. Enhances Hair Color

Using henna for gray hair is no secret, as it is a well-known natural hair dye. But it can also improve your hair’s natural pigment and prevent premature graying of hair (7).

3. Relieves Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance in the production of free radicals.

It causes hair loss, hair damage, breakage, and premature graying of hair. Henna has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress (8).

4. Conditions Your Hair

A Palestinian study shows that henna has hair conditioning properties

(9). This is because henna helps seal the hair cuticle so that it can retain moisture. Pair it with ingredients like egg or yogurt to enhance its effects. 

5. Repairs Damage And Strengthens Hair

Henna is extremely nourishing, which helps repair damage in the hair shaft.

It also improves hair elasticity and strength, which keeps your hair from breaking off. This also helps repair and prevent split ends (9).

 6. Balances pH And Oil Production

Henna is one of the best ingredients you could use for oily hair. It helps calm down overzealous sebaceous glands, thereby controlling oil production. It also helps restore the pH of the scalp to its natural acid-alkaline level. This helps strengthen the hair follicles.

Fun Fact

In ancient Egypt, the pharaohs used simple henna packs of henna and oils to stain their hair red. It was also used on their gray hair in the mummification process.

7. Promotes Hair Growth And Curbs Hair Loss

Henna has been used for hair growth for a long time. It benefits the scalp by improving follicle health. This, in turn, curbs hair fall and boosts the rate at which hair grows.

Jess, a blogger, shares her experience of using henna to get glossy curls. She found that her hair initially turned somewhat red but later settled into auburn and red shades. About the improved condition of her hair, she writes, “It doesn’t break as much, and there’s not as much hair in the shower. I’m curious to know how it will be after a few full treatments (i).”

All of these benefits make henna an excellent hair care ingredient. Keep reading to know the 9 different ways you can incorporate henna in your hair care routine. 

How To Use Henna For Hair Care

1. Henna And Amla Hair Pack
2. Henna, Egg, And Curd Hair Pack
3. Henna And Banana Hair Pack
4. Henna And Multani Mitti Hair Pack
5. Henna And Coffee Hair Color Pack
6. Henna And Coconut Milk
7. Henna And Fenugreek Hair Pack
8. Henna And Lemon Juice Hair Pack
9. Henna And Hibiscus Leaves Hair Pack

You can get many henna hair packs at your local supermarket or salon. But if you want to make one yourself, here are some henna hair pack recipes that you can try out from the comfort of your home. Preparing henna correctly before applying it is crucial to fully harness its benefits. Mixing henna with ingredients like water or herbal teas can enhance its coloring properties and nourishing effects on hair. Here is everything you need to know, from what ingredients to pick to how long to leave henna on hair!

1. Henna And Amla Hair Pack

This is a protein-filled, nourishing hair pack that curbs hair fall and promotes hair growth. Eggs are rich in hair protein, which is important for hair health. Fenugreek reduces hair loss and clears the scalp, while henna and amla powder curb hair loss (9).

You Will Need

• 1 cup amla powder
• 3 tablespoons henna powder
• 2 tablespoons fenugreek powder
• 1 egg white
• 1 lemon

Processing Time

45 minutes – 1 hour 

Process

1. Make a paste of three tablespoons of henna, one cup of amla, and two tablespoons of fenugreek powder by adding a little bit of water to the mix.
2. Add one egg white and the juice from one lemon to the paste.
3. Let the mixture soak for an hour.
4. Apply this mix to your hair, starting from the roots and working it through the entire length of your hair.
5. Leave it on for about 45 minutes to an hour.
6. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool water. Do not use hot water as this can end up cooking the egg in the hair pack.

How Often?

Once a week.

2. Henna, Egg, And Curd Hair Pack

This hair pack acts as a hair gloss treatment and makes your hair glossy and much more manageable. It is rich in proteins and has conditioning properties. It may be used for hair detoxification as it acts as a mild cleanser that removes impurities from your hair and follicles without drying the scalp too much.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons henna powder
• 1 tablespoon shikakai powder
• 1 tablespoon curd
• 1 whole egg

Processing Time

45 minutes – 1 hour

Process

1. Make a paste out of two tablespoons of henna and one tablespoon of shikakai powder by adding a little bit of water to the mix.
2. Let this paste soak overnight. In the morning, add one egg and a tablespoon of curd to the soaked henna mix.
3. Apply this mix to your hair, starting at the roots and working it through the entire length of your hair.
4. Leave it on for about 45 minutes to an hour.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool water.
6. Do not use hot water as this can end up cooking the egg in the hair pack.

How Often?

Once a week. 

3. Henna And Banana Hair Pack

This hair pack acts as a hair gloss treatment and helps make your hair glossy and more manageable. Banana helps in reducing split-ends and conditioning your hair (9).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons henna
• 1 ripe banana

Processing Time

5 minutes 

Process

1. Dilute two tablespoons of henna with water to get a thick paste.
2. Let this soak overnight. (You can also use leftover henna for this mask.)
3. In the morning, mash a ripe banana in a bowl and add the soaked henna to it. Set this aside.
4. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and switch your conditioner with the henna banana mix.
5. Apply the mixture to damp hair and leave it in for about 5 minutes.
6. Rinse your hair out with cool or lukewarm water.

How Often?

Once a week. 

4. Henna And Multani Mitti Hair Pack

This hair pack is ideal for curbing hair loss caused due to oily scalps. Multani mitti helps cleanse your scalp by removing grease, dirt, and impurities (10).

Note: Avoid this remedy if you have sinusitisⁱ  Inflammation in the sinuses, usually brought on by a cold or allergies, can cause them to become congested with fluid. , migraine, rhinitisⁱ  Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes brought on by allergies or infections, marked by a runny nose and stuffiness. , or asthma as it may trigger symptoms.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons henna
• 2 tablespoons Multani mitti

Processing Time

7-8 hours 

Process

1. Mix two tablespoons each of Multani mitti and henna with some water to get a smooth, consistent paste.
2. Apply this pack to your hair before you go to bed. Wrap your hair in an old towel that you wouldn’t mind getting stained.
3. Leave the hair pack in overnight. Wash the hair pack out in the morning with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week. 

5. Henna And Coffee Hair Color Pack

While henna, by itself, imparts an orange-red color to your hair, this coffee-henna mixture dyes your hair to a dark brunette (7).

You Will Need

• 5 tablespoons henna
• 1 tablespoon instant black coffee
• 1 cup water
• Aluminum foil

Processing Time

3-4 hours 

Process

1. Boil a cup of water and a tablespoon of instant coffee powder in a pot.
2. Let the decoction boil for a couple of minutes before turning off the flame.
3. While the coffee is still warm, slowly pour it into a bowl containing five tablespoons of henna powder. Mix well to ensure that the paste is free of any lumps.
4. Section your hair and start applying the henna and coffee mixture to it. Ensure that you cover your roots well.
5. Once your hair is fully covered in the mix, leave it on for 3-4 hours.
6. You can cover your hair with a shower cap and hot towel to improve the efficiency of the pack.
7. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool/lukewarm water.
8. Proceed to condition your hair.

How Often?

Once a month. 

6. Henna And Coconut Milk

This is an ideal henna pack for those with extremely dry hair. Coconut milk is a widely used ingredient in shampoos and conditioners due to its nourishing and hair strengthening properties (11).

You Will Need

• 10 tablespoons henna powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

1. Warm a cup of coconut milk and 10 tablespoons of henna powder and four tablespoons of olive oil to it.
2. Mix well until it is free of lumps and you get a smooth, consistent paste.
3. Apply this hair pack to your scalp and hair.
4. Leave it in for an hour and then wash it off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
5. Condition your hair.

How Often?

Once a week. 

7. Henna And Fenugreek Hair Pack

This is another wonderful hair pack for improving scalp health. It tackles dandruff while also moisturizing your hair (9).

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons henna powder
• 1/2 cup fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup curd
• 1 lemon

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process 

1. Mix a cup of curd and half a cup of fenugreek seeds in a bowl and leave it to soak overnight.
2. Grind the mixture into a smooth paste and add four tablespoons of henna powder and juice from one lemon to it.
3. Mix the concoction well. Apply this pack to your scalp and hair.
4. Leave it on for about 45 minutes. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool/lukewarm water.
5. Finish with a conditioner.

How Often?

Once a week. 

8. Henna And Lemon Juice Hair Pack

This hair pack helps color your hair and covers grays. If you want a brown color, rather than an orange-red, you can substitute the green tea with black coffee. This pack is ideal for people with oily scalps. Green tea can help in stimulating hair growth (12).

You Will Need

• 1 cup henna powder
• 1 cup freshly brewed green tea
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Processing Time

3 hours

Process

1. Add a cup of henna powder to a cup of freshly brewed green tea while it is still warm.
2. Mix well to get a smooth, consistent paste and let it sit overnight.
3. In the morning, add two tablespoons of lemon juice to the paste and mix well.
4. Apply this to your scalp and hair and leave it on for about 3 hours.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool/lukewarm water.
6. Finish with conditioner.

How Often?

Once a month.

9. Henna And Hibiscus Leaves Hair Pack

This hair pack can help control dandruff and maintain scalp health. Hibiscus was shown to aid hair growth in rat studies (13).

You Will Need

• A handful of henna leaves
• A handful of hibiscus leaves
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Grind a handful of henna and hibiscus leaves together to get a smooth, consistent paste. You can add a little water to the mixture in case it is too thick.
2. Add a tablespoon of lemon to the henna and hibiscus paste and mix well.
3. Apply this hair pack to your scalp and hair.
4. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

Once a week. 

Try any of these above packs to improve hair health.

How To Wash The Henna Off Your Hair

1. Flip your hair over.
2. Pour some warm water over your hair and massage the henna off your hair with a scalp massager comb. It will remove any gritty pieces of henna. Be gentle when you do this.
3. Use a conditioner to get any remaining henna out of your hair.
4. Rinse your hair with cold water.

Though henna is known to be safe for most adults, it has a few side effects.

Side Effects Of Henna

1. A study showed that red henna (most common) could cause allergic dermatitisⁱ  Itchy, inflamed, and red rashes on the skin caused by direct contact with a potential allergen. due to its active ingredient lawsone. It can also cause life-threatening hemolysisⁱ  A condition where the red blood cells burst, releasing their contents into the fluid around them. It could happen inside the body or outside of it. in children with G6PD deficiencyⁱ  A hereditary condition where a lack of G6PD enzyme causes red blood cells to degrade in reaction to specific stressors. (14).
2. Black henna contains PPD (p-phenylenediamine). It can cause skin irritation and allergies (14).

Quick Tip

Pure, organic henna is generally safe for use unless one is allergic to it. However, avoid commercial henna mehndi for hair powders as they may have harmful additives.

It is important to perform a patch test before applying henna fully, as this can help identify any potential allergic reactions. Simply apply a small amount of the henna mixture to your wrist and wait for 24 hours to check for any adverse effects. This precaution ensures your safety and comfort while using henna.

We have covered all aspects of henna hair packs in this article, except a couple of commonly asked questions regarding them. Check them out below.

How Long To Leave Henna On Hair?

When it comes to application, the amount of time you keep henna on your hair is critical to getting the desired effects. Depending on the color intensity and coverage needed, leave it on your hair for 1 to 4 hours. Shorter periods produce lighter results, whilst longer periods produce deeper color and conditioning.

How To Wash Hair After Applying Henna?

After applying henna, it is crucial to thoroughly rinse it out with lukewarm water. Avoid using shampoo immediately as it may strip away the color. Simply rinse until the water runs clear and make sure there’s no residue in the hair. Afterwards, you can also use a sulfate-free shampoo if needed.

Infographic: Ancient Indian Henna Hair Pack For Hair Growth

The use of henna in hair packs for improved hair health dates back several centuries in India. There are many natural ingredients that are scientifically proven today to be good for hair growth and can be included in a henna hair pack. However, age-old recipes comprising henna and simple herbs and oils work wonders by themselves. Check out the infographic below and take a look at one of the oldest and simplest henna hair pack recipes for hair growth.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does henna increase white hair?

Dr. John Kahen, MD, a hair transplant surgeon, says, “Henna shouldn’t increase white hair. Unlike traditional hair dyes, henna doesn’t enter the hair shaft; it just coats the hair shaft, which is how it becomes strengthened.”

Can I mix onion juice with henna?

Yes, you can mix 1 tablespoon of onion juice with 5 tablespoons of henna, 1 tablespoon of black tea, and olive oil to make a paste. Wait for 6 hours before applying it to your hair.

Should I oil my hair after applying henna?

If you have a dry scalp, apply oil after washing off the henna.

Can I mix beetroot and henna for hair?

Yes, mixing beetroot and henna will give a burgundy shade to the hair.

Illustration: Benefits Of Henna Hair Packs How To Use Them & Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist

 

Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

Read full bio of Vd. Naveen Sharma

• 
  Dr. John KahenMD Dr. John Kahen, MD, is one of the leading hair transplant surgeons with over 19 years of experience. He is the founder and medical director of Beverly Hills Hair Restoration and an alumnus of Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Kahen focuses on his patients' individual needs to offer surgical and non-surgical options.
  
  Dr. John Kahen, MD, is one of the leading hair transplant surgeons with over 19 years of experience. He is the founder and medical director of Beverly Hills Hair Restoration and an alumnus of Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Kahen focuses on his patients' individual needs to offer surgical and non-surgical options.

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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